Patrik Laine's absence from the Canadiens' morning skate raises eyebrows as Montreal preps for Game 3 against the Capitals, trailing 2-0 in the series. The 27-year-old forward was benched by head coach Martin St. Louis for the entirety of the third period in Game 2, where he recorded just one assist and a minus-2 rating through the first two games. Laine, who had a solid season with 33 points from 20 goals and 13 assists in 52 games, faces pressure to perform as he has been a prolific scorer throughout his career.

Laine's journey has seen him transition from the Winnipeg Jets to the Columbus Blue Jackets and now to the Canadiens. His track record, including being a seven-time 20-goal scorer and the second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, underscores the expectations surrounding him. With the series on the line, his ability to rebound from recent struggles is crucial for Montreal's playoff hopes.

Martin St. Louis, head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, is set to make pivotal lineup decisions after winger Patrik Laine missed the morning skate prior to Game 3 against the Washington Capitals. Laine, who has struggled with a scoring drought, particularly after being benched in the third period of Game 2, is crucial to the Canadiens' playoff hopes. His absence raises questions about the team’s offensive strategies as they trail 2-0 in the series.

Laine, Montreal's highest-paid player, has not scored in seven games, raising concerns over his impact this postseason. If he is unable to play, forwards Oliver Kapanen and Michael Pezzetta may step in. Meanwhile, the Capitals could welcome back Aliaksei Protas, who adds significant depth and scoring potential after missing previous games due to injury. The stakes are high for both teams as they navigate crucial playoff adjustments.

Following a tough start to their playoff series against the Washington Capitals, the Montreal Canadiens return to the Bell Centre for Game 3, hoping to energize their performance with the support of their passionate fans. Mike Matheson, a key player for the Canadiens, recalls the electrifying atmosphere of playoff hockey in Montreal and expects the crowd to exceed his high expectations.

Despite losing the first two games in Washington, the Canadiens have a strong home record this season, and Matheson believes the fans will play a crucial role in helping his team regain momentum. Head Coach Martin St. Louis emphasizes the need for more quality minutes on the ice to compete effectively against the Capitals, who have proven to be formidable opponents. The Canadiens aim to capitalize on their home ice advantage and make a statement in front of their loyal supporters.

The Montreal Canadiens faced a challenging start to their playoff series against the Washington Capitals, with a 3-1 loss in Game 2 at Capital One Arena. Juraj Slafkovsky emphasized the need for a near-perfect performance moving forward, stating that their best efforts are crucial as they find themselves down 0-2 in the series. Connor McMichael was pivotal for the Capitals, delivering two goals, including an empty-netter. Despite taking an early lead through Christian Dvorak, the Canadiens faltered quickly, allowing two goals within a minute, which proved crucial in the outcome.

Head coach Martin St. Louis acknowledged the Capitals' solid defensive play and their ability to stifle the Canadiens' attacks. The Canadiens controlled the third period with a significant shots advantage but struggled to convert on their opportunities, including failing to capitalize on power plays. Notably, Patrik Laine, despite being a high-salary player, did not play in the third period, raising questions about his current form as he has struggled recently.

As the series shifts back to Montreal, the Canadiens are expected to regroup and bring renewed energy to their home games. Slafkovsky stated that the team must improve as everyone bears responsibility for the current state of the series. Meanwhile, Capitals rookie Lane Hutson has faced aggressive play from the Capitals, further complicating his playoff debut.

In a remarkable playoff performance, Alex Ovechkin scored his first-ever playoff overtime goal, leading the Washington Capitals to a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their postseason series. The win was significant as it marked Ovechkin's 152nd career playoff game, cementing his status as an all-time great. He opened the scoring with a power-play goal and assisted on another, showcasing his offensive prowess while also leading all players with seven hits.

Ovechkin's historic overtime goal not only highlighted his clutch performance but also made him the oldest player in Stanley Cup Playoff history to contribute to all of his team's goals in a game. Despite the Canadiens rallying back to force overtime, Ovechkin's goal ensured that the Capitals would begin their playoff journey on a high note.